"Lukey Update"

I used to write these every month or so when starting when Lucas was a newborn.  An update to the grandparents and a few lucky family members on everything Lucas.  Random thoughts and random pictures on a kid I adore.

Being oh-so-patient with a little brother who wants to "help" with everything

School is going so much better.  He started off with straight A's in the fall and then seemed to struggle getting his homework done and actually turned in. His grades really slipped and he felt really overwhelmed.  But since we returned from break, he has a renewed commitment and things are looking up.  It's been so nice because we've been dealing with a lot of pre-teen angst and it's wonderful to have our Lucas back.

With a few of the cousins going to see The Nutcracker in Phoenix

I know one thing that has helped school is that he made some really great friends at school and church. Isn't it amazing what good friends can do? They help you find your place and know you aren't alone. Looks like we haven't ruined his life by moving after all.

Lucas' Christmas 2011 masterpiece

Patiently receiving orders from Queen Katherine, an adorable yet authoritative cousin

Luke also spends a lot of time with his cousin Jack. They have always been close. Friday night Aaron and I went on a double date and we invited Jack over to hang out with Lucas and help babysit Jonah. (Life has taken on new meaning now that we have our own babysitter! :) When we got home, Jonah was asleep (Lucas had even changed a stinky diaper! That's huge.) and the boys had spent their time watching a documentary on medieval war tactics, meticulously drawing up their own weapons and armies, and then playing it out on the stairs with Legos. Love it. 

Helping Jonah find the power to blast this year's Christmas pinata

Showing off his mad ping pong skills at the Jackson family talent show

Lucas is very thoughtful. He always puts on the seat warmer in the car for me just because he knows I love it.  He (a lot of the time) lets Jonah play with his Legos or Bionicles even when he doesn't want to, knowing he will probably just destroy all his hard work.  He still loves to cuddle with his momma and I enjoy every second he'll let me hold him.  We'll get out our books or watch a movie and he loves to sit right up close.  Then of course Jonah has to squeeze in and it all becomes one cozy dog pile.  Love it!

Just hanging out together as Luke plays a game on the computer

His favorite place on the couch to read, play on my phone or watch TV

We're getting ready for Lucas to receive the priesthood next month.  Just writing that sentence is freakin' me out!   And to think he starts YM?!?!  Who thought we'd ever get to be this old?!  I still remember when our good friend, Aaron McCall, became a deacon and the first time he was passing the sacrament Lucas, age 4, leaned over to me and stated, "When I grow up, I want to be a deacon."

All of our FHE's have been focused on preparing for this great responsibility and Lucas has been very honest and open about his testimony and the places he wants to strengthen his knowledge and faith.  We have had some thoughtful discussion and I love how he actually ponders on his beliefs.  My parents challenged him to read the Book of Mormon on his own by his 12th birthday and he has diligently read almost everyday this past year.  He'll be done just in time for his birthday and I am so proud of his determination when reading comes slowly to him.

This kid loves to talk and shares all that goes on in his head.  It's a Williams trait and I love it.  If I can just keep him talking through these next years, we may survive.

I sure love my not-so-baby boy.